The people of Kingston, Ontario, have always held Sir John A. Macdonald close to their hearts. He arrived on the point where Lake Ontario feeds into the St. Lawrence River when he was a small boy. The small city was noted for its strategic importance in the continuing hostility between the British North American colonies and the United States. Both he and the city prospered and grew in stature. Shortly after Macdonald began practicing law, Kingston became the first capital of the United Provinces of Canada. As the elected representative for Kingston, Macdonald fought hard for his constituents and ensured that the city got its share of government projects -- including the penitentiary that is today a major tourism attraction.